Registration forms, raffle tickets & more for 52nd Annual Canoe & Kayak Race!

Canoe competitors are lined up and ready to go at the starting line, Fellows Bridge on Sharon Valley Road a few years ago.

submitted by Sybil Kolon

On Sunday, May 20, the Annual Manchester Canoe/Kayak Race will continue, sponsored by Kiwanis of Manchester. The race started in April 1967 as part of the Centennial celebration of the founding of the Village of Manchester. From 1967 to 1987 the race included row boats! Kayaks were added in 1994. It has been held on the third Sunday of May for many decades.

The first canoes will be launched at noon just upstream of Fellows Bridge on Sharon Valley Road (2 miles west of M-52, 1 mile east of Sharon Hollow Road). You are encouraged to register ahead of time, but you can register at the starting line the day of the race beginning at 10 am.

Registration forms are being emailed or mailed to recent participants. Forms are available at Ash Auto, Corrigan’s (formerly Wackers), Frank’s, and 24 hours per day outside of Ollie’s. You can also download the form from the Manchester River Raisin Canoe Kayak Race Facebook page.  

Kiwanis is also continuing the kayak raffle. The winning ticket will be drawn at the finish line in the Ollie’s parking lot. The winner gets a Perception Swift Water 10.5’ kayak, with paddle. Tickets are $10 and only 150 will be sold. You can reserve your ticket ahead of time by submitting your registration form early. Tickets are also available through Kiwanis members and the day of race until they are sold out.

The river clearing team has started the work to make the river passable after a long winter. So it’s time to get out on the river to develop your winning strategy. Last year’s best time was 30 minutes for the Competition Canoe class. There are ten other classes, including the Corporate Challenge and the Sprint races in the Mill Pond, after the other races are complete. 

We also encourage you to learn more about the history of the race at the Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main, the new headquarters of the Manchester Area Historical Society. Old scrap books, pictures and all available race results will be on display on race day from noon to 4 pm. Please come and share your stories.  

Contact Sybil Kolon 734-646-4673 for more information.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.